Lavender Graduation

History of Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation ceremonies have a rich history and began with the first Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan in 1995. The first Lavender Graduation ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, the Director of the Lesbian and Gay Programs Office at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sanlo, who had been denied admittance to her children’s commencement ceremonies because of her sexuality, realized there were no recognition ceremonies to honor the lives and achievements of Queer and Trans students. With the extra stress and pressure placed upon Queer and Trans college students, Lavender Graduation ceremonies are an important rite of passage that offer recognition and inspiration to students. Lavender Graduation ceremonies are open to all graduates, those within the Queer and Trans communities and their allies. The tradition is continued today at hundreds of institutions across the nation and the Pride Alliance is honored to add UNT’s name to that list.

Lavender Graduation, Spring 2023

Image contains a graduation cap and sprigs of lavender on a yellow back ground, as well as the Pride Alliance and Women’s & Gender Studies diving eagle logos. Text reads: Lavender Graduation Spring 2023. Saturday, April 29. 10:00AM. Union 333. Grads Register: tinyurl.com/LavGradRegS23. Attendees: tinyurl.com/LavGradGuestS23. Please contact the pride Alliance at pridealliance@unt.edu and/or 940.565.2589 if you need an accommodation to fully participate in an event because of a disability. For voice access, dial 1-800-relaytx (735-2989). Please make the request as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Join us in recognizing our graduates at Lavender Graduation, a collaboration of the Pride Alliance, Women's & Gender Studies, and the LGBTQ Studies Minor. Registration for this event is open to all UNT undergraduate and graduate students who have applied for Spring or Summer Graduation 2023.

The ceremony will be hosted by the Pride Alliance and Women's & Gender Studies and held on Saturday, April 29 in University Union 333, on the Denton campus. Seating for the event will begin at 9:30 A.M. and the ceremony will begin at 10:00 A.M.

Participants are encouraged to invite family, friends, significant others, professors, mentors, etc. to attend the ceremony. The ceremony will include recognition of the graduates, presentation of certificates, stoles, tassels, and awards, and a reception with refreshments. Further information will be provided once you have completed the registration. We welcome any students, faculty, staff, and community members to attend to celebrate our graduates.

Please contact the Pride Alliance at pridealliance@unt.edu and/or 940.565.2589 if you need an accommodation to fully participate in an event because of a disability. For voice access, dial 1-800-RELAYTX (735-2989). Please make the request as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

 

Dr. Enedelia Sauceda Award for Supporting Student Wellness

Dr. Enedelia Sauceda posing for camera seated

In 2019, the Pride Alliance announced its first ever award, named in honor of the inaugural recipient, Dr. Enedelia Sauceda. The Pride Alliance awards the Dr. Enedelia Sauceda Award annually to a faculty, staff, or a community member who have made significant contributions toward supporting Queer and Trans students’ mental health and wellness. Those selected to receive the award contribute their time, energy, and care not just in working with students but in advocating for systemic change. As a Licensed Psychologist at Counseling and Testing Services, Dr. Sauceda serves as the Liaison for the Multicultural Center and the Pride Alliance. In her roles. Dr, Sauceda shares her vulnerability, knowledge, and thoughtfulness with Queer and Trans students, in many cases saving lives with her actions and words. In addition to her prowess as a counselor, Dr. Sauceda engages Queer and Trans community organizations, partners with other offices to ensure Queer and Trans students receive care, and serves as fierce advocate for students most likely to face violence as they access resources. Future recipients of the Dr. Enedelia Sauceda Award for Supporting Student Wellness can hope to continue Dr. Sauceda’s legacy.